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27 July 2010 : Column 958W—continued
Offices
Richard Burden: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the policy of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is on payment for (a) office equipment and furniture, (b) rent, business rates and utilities attributable to its office premises and (c) office consumables (i) directly from the Authority's budget and (ii) by members of the Authority's board and senior staff on the basis of retrospective reimbursement. [10054]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA, as an employer, provides office premises and facilities for its staff directly from its budget rather than on the basis of retrospective reimbursement.
Operating Costs
Glenda Jackson: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the (a) capital and (b) estimated annual running cost is of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority's computerised claims system. [10205]
Mr Charles Walker: The capital cost of the software expenses@work was £126,000 (including VAT at 17.5%). The estimated annual running cost of expenses@work is not identified separately. The support contract for all IT software support at IPSA, which includes support for Microsoft Office, the Financial Accounting System "Great Plains", the Payroll software "Jane HR" as well as expenses@work, is £116,000 (including VAT at 17.5%) per annum.
Pay
Grahame M. Morris: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many staff of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) have received reward and recognition payments since its inception; and how many such payments IPSA expects to make in 2010-11. [11513]
Mr Charles Walker:
IPSA's staff recognition scheme enables staff to nominate colleagues for modest awards in recognition of outstanding performance. The scheme
has only just commenced and so no staff members have so far received such awards. It is not possible to predict how many staff will receive such awards in 2010-11.
Grahame M. Morris: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many staff seconded to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) from Government Departments have received performance-related bonus payments since its inception; and how many such payments IPSA expects to make in 2010-11. [11514]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA does not routinely collect information on bonuses paid to seconded staff by their home Departments. Any performance-related bonuses paid to staff seconded to IPSA from Government Departments have been in respect of performance periods prior to the date when IPSA became operational. IPSA will not pay any performance-related bonuses to seconded or other staff in 2010-11.
Recruitment
Miss McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what recruitment procedure was followed for those working at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority processing claims from hon. Members; and what relevant previous experience such staff have had. [10036]
Mr Charles Walker: The processing of claims from Members by IPSA is handled by staff from a range of backgrounds. A significant number of staff are drawn from the House of Commons Members' Pay and Allowances team and have considerable experience of processing MPs' claims. They are complemented by temporary staff selected for their experience and skills. A total of 29 staff with relevant experience will have transferred from the House of Commons to IPSA by August 2010.
IPSA has made a significant investment in staff training. All staff attend an induction course which covers IPSA values, behaviours and team working, the MPs' Expenses Scheme, data assurance and protection, and operational functions.
Temporary Employment
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many agency staff have been contracted to work at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority in each week since 1 May 2010. [11823]
Mr Charles Walker: The number of agency staff that have been contracted by IPSA has varied by month and is illustrated as follows.
| Number | |
Trade Unions: Finance
Jim Sheridan: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, (1) for what reason the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority decided that trade union subscriptions for staff of hon. Members should not be deducted from their pay at payroll; [11928]
(2) what estimate the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has made of the annual cost of deducting trade union subscriptions for the staff of hon. Members from their pay at payroll. [11929]
Mr Charles Walker: In the first months of operation, IPSA's priorities have been to pay the salaries of MPs' staff and to make the required statutory and pension deductions. IPSA has not made an assessment of the cost of deducting trade union subscriptions for MPs' staff.
IPSA is currently reviewing the situation in relation to trade union subscriptions and hopes to offer this as a facility in the near future.
Wales
Environment Agency's water supply schemes: Wales
Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if she will discuss with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers the operation of the Environment Agency's water supply schemes in Wales. [9925]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, and I have regular discussions with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on a range of issues.
The Environment Agency and water companies in Wales are in regular contact to ensure the efficient operation of water supply schemes so that water supplies and the environment in Wales are protected during periods of low water flows. While we have been facing exceptional circumstances this year with the driest start to the year in England and Wales for 80 years, we are confident that there is a robust framework in place for dealing with this type of situation.
In addition, the Welsh Assembly Government is currently undertaking a feasibility study to investigate the possibility of creating a single separate environment organisation for Wales. This will include discussions regarding the operation of water supply schemes in Wales. An initial report will be put to Welsh Assembly Government Ministers in the autumn.
Constituencies: Wales
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans she has to discuss proposed changes to the number of parliamentary constituencies in Wales with (a) representatives of local government and civic society in Wales, (b) the Wales Trades Union Congress and (c) the Wales CBI. [11753]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State and I intend to discuss the implementation of the Government's commitment to fewer and more equally-sized parliamentary constituencies with a wide range of interested parties in Wales, including the Welsh Local Government Association, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, the Wales Trades Union Congress and the Wales CBI.
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if she will make it her policy to support the use of the British-Irish Council and the Joint Ministerial Council to discuss the effect on Wales of the Government's proposed constitutional reforms. [11754]
Mr David Jones: The Government discussed the coalition agreement and those elements within it, including constitutional reform, which were likely to be of most significance to the devolved Administrations at the plenary meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) in June. The Government's constitutional reform agenda was also discussed in July at the inter-governmental senior officials' forum which supports the JMC.
The Secretary of State for Wales has discussed the constitutional reforms with the Welsh Assembly Government, and we will continue to work collaboratively with the devolved Administrations as the reforms are implemented. The forward work programme for the JMC and JMC (Domestic) will be the subject of discussion by Ministers collectively at the first meeting of JMC (Domestic) in the autumn.
These matters are not appropriate for discussion at the British-Irish Council, which contains members who are not part of the United Kingdom.
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many items of correspondence she has received in support of the Government's proposals to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies in Wales. [11755]
Mr David Jones: The Wales Office has received two items of correspondence relating specifically to the Government's proposals for fewer parliamentary constituencies of more equal size. Both sought clarification of the proposals.
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations she has received on proposals to change the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies in Wales. [11756]
Mr David Jones:
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have discussed the Government's commitment to fewer parliamentary constituencies of more equal size with a number of interested parties, and
will discuss the implementation of the reforms set out in the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Bill during the summer.
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the Government's proposals to change the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies in Wales. [11757]
Mr David Jones: The previous general review of parliamentary constituencies in Wales concluded in 2005, and cost £649,498. This formed part of the £13.6 million total cost of the last boundary reviews in each part of the United Kingdom (although these reviews did not take place simultaneously).
The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, introduced on 22 July, makes provision for a boundary review to be completed in each part of the United Kingdom before October 2013. The precise cost of the reviews will depend on the final form of the legislation and the approach adopted by the Commissions. However, we anticipate that the total cost will be less than the aggregate cost of the last set of reviews.
Departmental Operating Costs
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps she has taken to reduce the running costs of her Department since her appointment. [9817]
Mr David Jones: As part of our preparations for the spending review, officials in my Department are currently formulating proposals to reduce the running costs of the Wales Office.
We have already achieved a number of savings since May 2010. For example, all train travel undertaken by Ministers and officials within the Wales Office is now by standard class. My office has also given notice to cancel the car contracted for my use in London, thereby halving this Department's previous number of ministerial cars in London.
Public Sector: Manpower
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment she has made of the effect on the (a) Welsh economy and (b) number of public sector jobs in Wales of proposed reductions in public expenditure in Wales. [11752]
Mrs Gillan: As specific spending plans will be announced in the autumn, following the comprehensive spending review, it is not possible to make any worthwhile assessment of the effects of public expenditure reductions in Wales.
We remain committed, however, to working with the Welsh Assembly Government to minimise the impacts of these necessary savings both on the Welsh economy and on public sector workers themselves.
Railways: Electrification
Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the proposed electrification of the South Wales to London rail line. [11933]
Mrs Gillan: As I outlined in my evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on Tuesday 20 July, I have had a number of informal discussions with the Secretary of State, and will be meeting him shortly to discuss the issue in greater detail.
Ryder Cup Tournament
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with the First Minister on the hosting of the Ryder Cup tournament in Newport, 1 to 3 October 2010; and if she will make a statement. [11623]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, has regular discussions with the First Minister on a range of issues affecting Wales, including the Ryder Cup.
She has recently visited the Celtic Manor Hotel and Spa Resort to view the Ryder Cup Golf Course for herself and hear about the facilities and the preparations that are taking place to cater for this world renowned tournament.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan: Chevening Scholarships Programme
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people from Afghanistan have been awarded a Chevening scholarship for 2010-11. [8964]
Mr Hague: Six candidates were informed last week that they have been awarded scholarships. A further three awards will be offered once shortlisted candidates have heard whether their university places have been confirmed.
Afghanistan: Christianity
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the protection of rights to Christian belief and worship in that country in accordance with its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. [11855]
Alistair Burt: The Government strongly support the right to freedom of religion or belief. We are working to support all individuals who face discrimination and persecution on the basis of religion, wherever they are in the world. Article two of the Afghan constitution provides for freedom of religion, and we expect the Afghan Government to fully implement this. We have a regular dialogue with the Afghan Government on human rights, including the need to ensure the security of all Afghans, regardless of religion. In addition, we will also raise particular cases of concern with the Afghan Government as necessary.
Albania: Foreign Relations
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the Minister for Europe in his Department last met with the Albanian Ambassador to the UK. [11197]
Mr Lidington: Since taking up his post in May 2010, I have not yet had an opportunity to have an official meeting with the Albanian ambassador to the UK.
Brazil: Embassies
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees work in the UK embassy in Brasilia; and how many are assigned to work on (a) climate change issues and (b) support for UK citizens who have been the victims of crime in Brazil. [2815]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently reviewing the basis on which work force information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
British Council: Offices
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which British Council offices are under consideration for possible closure. [6625]
Mr Jeremy Browne: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary set out in his speech on 1 July 2010, the British Council has a crucial role to play in raising the profile of the UK overseas, projecting the UK's core values to the world and contributing to the strong networks that will underpin the UK's engagement with emerging powers. The British Council's network of country offices is constantly reviewed to ensure it is an efficient and effective platform for the UK. There is a Government-wide spending review under way. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council will be expected to contribute to reducing the deficit as part of that review. No decision will be taken on the future of the British Council's operations until the result of that review has been settled.
British Nationals Abroad: Prisoners
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 508W, on British nationality: prisoners, on how many occasions (a) his Department and (b) British embassies and consulates have made representations to overseas governments regarding fair trial concerns in respect of UK citizens charged with offences in those countries in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [11206]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We will consider making representations to the local authorities in any case where a British national in detention has not been treated in line with internationally accepted standards. This may include cases where the trial does not follow fair trial standards, or where there is a complaint about mistreatment or discrimination. However, while we keep records of individual cases, we could only produce an overall figure for the number of times we have made representations on fair trial issues by individually going through the records of all British nationals who have been in detention abroad. To provide this information would therefore incur disproportionate cost.
Departmental Billing
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of payments made by his Department to (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available. [11388]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) paid 98.3%, 96.1% and 97% of supplier invoices within ten days of receipt of a valid invoice in April, May and June 2010 respectively.
In May 2010 the Government's target to pay 90% of supplier invoices within 10 working days was replaced with a new target to pay 80% of supplier invoices in five working days. The FCO supports this important Government initiative, and paid 84.29% and 90.5% of supplier invoices within five working days of receipt of a valid invoice in May 2010 and June 2010 respectively.
The FCO is aware of the importance of paying suppliers promptly, and makes every effort to pay valid supplier invoices as quickly as possible. Specific information about the size of our suppliers is not held centrally and thus identifying the percentage of payments made to small and medium-sized enterprises would result in disproportionate cost.
Departmental Contracts
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies which will be cancelled under his Department's planned spending reductions. [10170]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is liaising with the Office of Government Commerce, which is reviewing contracts with key suppliers across central Government. It is too early to determine which, if any, contracts will be cancelled, so accordingly we cannot identify the monetary value of possible cancellation costs.
Departmental Manpower
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time staff his Department employed in each year since 1997. [8839]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently reviewing the basis on which work force information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
Departmental Official Cars
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on the Government Car Service since the Government took office. [7973]
Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office expenditure on all car services provided by the Government Car and Despatch Agency covering use by officials and Ministers during the period 12 May to 12 July 2010 was £37,709.
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for which of his Department's other Ministers a car and driver is provided for that Minister's regular or dedicated use. [9884]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign Secretary uses police close protection drivers. Four of the five remaining Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have a Government Car Service car allocated to them.
Departmental Operating Costs
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to reduce the running costs of his Department since his appointment. [9607]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on 7 June 2010, Official Report, columns 23-24W, and the written ministerial statement issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 29 June 2010, Official Report, columns 37-38WS.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Mr Straw: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's total (a) capital and (b) current spending was in each year since 1995 in (i) cash and (ii) constant prices; how many full-time equivalent (A) UK-based and (B) locally-engaged staff his Department employed in each such year; and how much his Department spent on consultants (1) contracted to his Department and (2) employed by other organisations under contract to his Department in each such year. [10143]
Alistair Burt [holding answer 21 July 2010]: Capital and current spending for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is only available on a consistent basis, including Machinery of Government changes and changes to the classification of central Government spending, back to 2004-05. This has been published in Table 1 of annex A to the 2009-10 Resource Accounts (HC 74).
The figures are reproduced in the following table along with their equivalent at constant prices:
| £ million | ||||
| Capital spending | Current (Resource) spending( 1) | |||
| Cash | Constant prices | Cash | Constant prices | |
| (1) Deflated by GDP index, 2009-10=100 | ||||
With regard to the information requested about full-time equivalent UK-based and locally-engaged staff, the FCO is currently reviewing the basis on which workforce information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
An accurate, comparable breakdown of spend on consultants from 1995 to the present can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Regulations
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of his Department's regulations are under review; and if he will make a statement. [7152]
Alistair Burt: We currently have no regulations under formal review, but we will consider any suggestions relevant to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office made through the Your Freedom website:
launched by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 1 July 2010. This gives members of the public the opportunity to suggest existing regulations for removal.
Departmental Secondment
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many civil servants from each Government department are on secondment to EU institutions. [9281] [Official Report, 13 October 2010, Vol. 516, c. 5MC.]
Mr Lidington: There are approximately 110 British civil servants on secondment to the EU institutions.
The largest groups are from the following Departments:
Department for International Development: 19
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills: 10
Department for Transport: 16
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: nine
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs: six
Her Majesty's Treasury: six
Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: six.
Departmental Travel
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have been driven by the Government Car Service since the Government took office; and how much each of these persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that period. [7974]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 30 June 2010, Official Report, column 588W, and 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 100W.
In addition, the Government publish on a quarterly basis the expenses incurred by the most senior officials which includes use of the Government Car Service and other travel expenses.
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an official capacity by each Minister in his Department in (i) May 2010 and (ii) June 2010. [8229]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley) to his parliamentary question 7973.
As set out in the Ministerial Code, Departments will publish, at least quarterly, details of all travel overseas by Ministers. Information for the first quarter will be published as soon as it is ready.
All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
Developing Countries: Carbon Emissions
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in respect of which of the 22 priority countries under the Low Carbon High Growth Programme Fund his Department's programme spending will be reduced. [7879]
Mr Hague: I advised the House of my intention to cut the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's spending on its Low Carbon High Growth programme by around £3 million this financial year and to explore alternative sources of funding for the programme for future years in my written ministerial statement of 29 June 2010, Official Report, columns 37-38WS. Since then, we have scaled back programme spending in all Low Carbon High Growth priority countries for 2010-11. We have sought to minimise the extent of cuts to programmes in the key emerging economies.
Diplomatic Service: Parliamentary Scrutiny
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the merits of allowing nominees for senior ambassadorial appointments to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee for confirmation hearings. [11196]
Mr Lidington: Appointments in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are made on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, in accordance with the Diplomatic Service Order in Council 1991. The Government will continue to offer the Committee post-appointment hearings for the appointment of non-diplomats to diplomatic posts.
EC Nationals: Citizenship
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the draft regulation on the European Citizen's Initiative proposed by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement. [10741]
Mr Lidington:
The Government welcome the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) as an innovation to empower the citizens of Europe and to help address the perceived democratic deficit in the European Union. In order to
avoid a bureaucratic or burdensome outcome for either citizens or member states, the UK will continue to press for changes to the draft provisions on requirements for citizens to provide varying amounts of personal data before being able to join a petition, and the means by which these data will be verified by member states. Going forward therefore, the Government will be seeking a more flexible, open and citizen-friendly system.
Eritrea: Christianity
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to assist Christians in Eritrea at risk of persecution. [10002]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government are very concerned about the lack of freedom of religious expression in Eritrea, and about the imprisonment and reports of torture of members of certain religious groups. Following up reports of human rights abuses is difficult in Eritrea, but we have repeatedly pressed the Eritrean Government to address the situation. At the United Nations Universal Periodic Review last year the United Kingdom called on the Eritrean Government to address concerns relating to religious detainees. British officials raise human rights issues with the Eritrean Government at every suitable opportunity in Asmara and with the Eritrean embassy in London. The EU also has an ongoing political dialogue with Eritrea and human rights concerns, including religious freedom, are raised as part of this.
EU Countries: Embassies
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) UK-based and (b) locally-employed staff are employed by his Department in each of the member states of the EU. [1724]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently reviewing the basis on which work force information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
France: Anti-Semitism
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on anti-Semitism in France; and if he will make a statement. [10556]
Mr Lidington: In 2009 there were 832 acts of anti-Semitism recorded in France.
In the past week, there have been reports of two separate incidents of anti-Semitism in France; the vandalism of graves in a Jewish cemetery and an attack on a synagogue outside of Paris. The French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux, has condemned the attacks as "despicable, intolerable and shocking" and underlined the French authorities' commitment to punishing the perpetrators.
The Government condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of racism.
Grants
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which organisations his Department provides grant funding; and how much it has provided to each in each of the last 10-years. [10636]
Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has provided the following Grant in Aid funding to the BBC World Service, British Council, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the Great Britain China Centre (GBCC) and the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC).
| £ million | ||||||||||
| 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
These are by far the greatest beneficiaries of FCO grants. Smaller grants have also been made to project implementers and other organisations around the world to help deliver UK foreign policy objectives. Budgets in the FCO are devolved to over 260 posts and details of these payments are not held centrally. As a result, this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Indonesia: Islam
Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Indonesia on the restrictions placed on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Indonesia, with particular reference to Ahmadiyyas in Lombok displaced from their homes. [11578]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We have made a number of representations to the Indonesian Government regarding the importance of allowing the Ahmadiyya community, including those in Lombok, to practise their faith and ensure they are protected from harm. Most recently the issue was raised during the EU Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue in Jakarta in June 2010.
Iraq: Embassies
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2010, Official Report, columns 868-69W, on Iraq: embassies, how much each company listed in the answer paid towards the Queen's Birthday celebration; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each sponsorship agreement. [11769]
Alistair Burt: Each company listed in our previous answer of 15 July 2010 contributed US$800 to the cost of hosting events for the Queen's Birthday celebration in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil on 16 June 2010.
Our embassy in Baghdad wanted to reflect the breadth of engagement of British Companies in Iraq during the Queen's Birthday celebrations locally. By securing sponsorship in this way the embassy were also able to achieve best value for the public purse.
There were no formal sponsorship agreements made.
Israel: Educational Exchanges
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding his Department allocated for the British-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10; and how much it plans to allocate for (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12. [10354]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has committed £42,000 to the British-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX) over the past three years as follows:
| Committed funds (£) | |
No budgets have been set for 2011-12 and the FCO will decide allocations for this and future years in the light of the spending round that is expected to be conclude this autumn.
BIRAX helps to build and enhance university links between Britain and Israel. BIRAX currently supports 15 innovative scientific research projects involving 17 different universities from across the UK and Israel.
Overseas Trade: Israel
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what his policy is on the sale of goods in the UK that were sourced, packaged or grown on Israeli settlements which the United Nations has declared illegal; [10923]
(2) if he will bring forward proposals for a ban on the sale of goods in the UK that were sourced, packaged or grown on Israeli settlements which the United Nations has declared illegal. [10924]
Alistair Burt: The Government's policy on settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is clear. Settlements are not only illegal under international law and in direct contravention of Israel's Roadmap commitments, but they also represent an attempt to create 'facts on the ground' which makes a two-state solution harder to achieve. It is important that consumers in the UK are able to make fully informed decision concerning the products they buy. That is why, in December 2009, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs introduced guidelines in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to label more accurately produce from Israeli settlements that are sold in the UK. This does not represent a ban on the sale of products from Israeli settlements in the UK.
Members: Correspondence
Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to my letter dated 2 2010 with regard to Dr Jill Lovecy. [9352]
Mr Hague: I replied to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on 12 July. I apologise for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter and for the delay in answering this question. I have reminded officials that this should not happen again.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to my letter of 10 June 2010 on behalf of the Chagos Islands all-party parliamentary group. [11921]
Mr Lidington: We did not receive the letter referred to by the hon. Member for Islington North, but have now sought to obtain a copy and will reply as soon as possible.
MI6
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will commission research into the level of public trust in the Secret Intelligence Service. [8818]
Alistair Burt: The Government do not intend to commission research into the level of public trust in the Secret Intelligence Service.
Slovakia: Cluster Munitions
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to press Slovakia to become a signatory of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. [11448]
Mr Hague: The convention on cluster munitions is the most significant disarmament agreement of recent years. The Government are committed to globalising the convention and thereby ending the unacceptable civilian suffering caused by use of these munitions. We urge all states not yet party to it to sign and ratify the convention.
The EU's Working Group on Global Arms Control and Disarmament (CODUN) regularly considers the convention on cluster munitions and discusses how member states are advancing its humanitarian aims. Having signed and ratified the convention, the UK plays a leading role in these debates and has actively urged not just Slovakia, but the other six EU member states that have not yet done so to sign the convention.
Somalia: Foreign Relations
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia since his appointment. [10362]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have had no discussions with representatives of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia since the new Government was formed. There is however regular contact between Somali Ministers and our officials based in Nairobi. The Minister for Africa, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), will meet Ministers from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia during the course of his visit to the region, including at the African Union summit.
The Government remain committed to supporting Somalis as they rebuild their country. We support the UN-led Djibouti peace process and the political reconciliation efforts of the TFG.
Somalia: Peace Negotiations
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to secure progress towards peace in Somalia. [10361]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government remain committed to supporting Somalis as they rebuild their country. My hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Henry Bellingham), Minister for Africa, works closely with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for International Development and the Secretary of State for Defence working alongside EU partners and the UN to support international efforts to bring lasting peace to Somalia.
The root causes of the instability need to be addressed, taking steps to promote stability and better governance. We have a tri-departmental conflict-prevention budget of £7 million this financial year. We believe a Somali-led approach is needed, focusing on the political, military and economic. These three strands of activity need to be properly sequenced and interwoven if there is to be success.
On the political front we support the UN-led Djibouti peace process and the political reconciliation efforts of the transitional federal Government which is taking the lead in the delivery of peace and stability in Somalia. The peace process provides the best hope for Somalis to turn their country around, form an effective Government and improve security and humanitarian access.
The UK is willing to work with the Somali authorities, the UN and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and all other stakeholders to help build a stronger and more accountable security sector, providing that a coherent plan is in place. The UK has supported AMISOM since its inception and we will continue to look at ways in which we can further support the mission.
Improved security enables better service delivery and economic growth. We are working across Government to help promote a peaceful, politically stable and economically viable Somalia.
South Africa and Namibia: Sterilisation
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the practice of forced sterilisation in (a) South Africa and (b) Namibia; whether he has made representations to the Governments of (i) South Africa and (ii) Namibia in consequence; and if he will make a statement. [11287]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK is closely following Namibia's ongoing court case involving the alleged sterilisation of three HIV-positive women. Although we cannot comment on the case while it is sub judice, the UK will continue to monitor allegations of human rights abuses and to promote women's rights including through the Department for International Development's Southern African regional programmes. We are not aware of any reports of cases of forced sterilisation in South Africa.
Sudan: War Crimes
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to support the International Criminal Court in bringing the President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, to trial. [11527]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK has been a consistently strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an independent judicial institution, and of its engagement on Darfur. We have repeatedly urged the Government of Sudan to cooperate with the court over the arrest warrants it has issued for President Bashir and other Sudanese citizens. We have taken action, in liaison with key partners, to limit Bashir's ability to travel internationally, by highlighting to potential host countries UN Security Council Resolution 1593 of 2005 which urged all UN member states to co-operate with the ICC, and the particular legal obligations of States party to the ICC.
Scotland
Act of Settlement 1701
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister on the Act of Settlement 1701. [11948]
Michael Moore: I have regular discussions with my ministerial colleagues on a range of matters and I refer the hon. Gentleman to the closing speech by the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform in the Adjournment Debate on 1 July 2010, Official Report, column 1109, called by the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant).
Commonwealth Games 2014
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he plans to take to help secure for Glasgow a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games; and what discussions he has had with the Leader of Glasgow City Council. [10817]
David Mundell: I am a strong supporter of the Commonwealth games coming to Glasgow and hope that they will provide a lasting legacy in inspiring more Scots to participate in sport and use the excellent new facilities. During a recent visit to Glasgow I saw some of the infrastructure projects which will support the games and discussed how Government could best support the games with the leader of Glasgow city council.
Constituencies
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Advocate General for Scotland on the exemption of Orkney and Shetland constituency from plans to reduce the size of Parliamentary constituencies in Scotland. [11839]
Michael Moore: The Government are determined to establish greater equality for votes cast in general elections across the United Kingdom. We have proposed the two exceptions of Orkney and Shetland as well as Na h-Eileanan an Iar as those islands are less accessible and harder to traverse. We have concluded that exceptions for these areas are justified by their particular geography.
The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill also provides for an upper limit on the geographical size of a constituency.
Departmental Internet
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on website design in each year since 1997. [7615]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office only came into existence on 1 July 1999.
The Scotland Office website came into existence in 2004-05 with an initial set up cost of £24,718.
In 2008-09 The Scotland Office spent £15,052.50 plus VAT on maintenance. The cost included the redevelopment of the site including a comprehensive in-house content management system, representing considerable value for money and cost savings for the office when implemented as well as now and in the future.
Departmental Pay
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in his Department in 2009-10. [9997]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office paid £2,007,214 in remuneration to its civil servants in 2009-10.
Departmental Travel
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his ministerial engagements were on 13 July 2010; and what travel he undertook for the purpose of those engagements. [10800]
David Mundell: The Secretary of State undertook a number of ministerial engagements in Scotland on 13 July. He travelled to and between these engagements in the ministerial car.
Economic Growth: Glasgow
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has made an assessment of the likely effect of the expenditure reduction announced on 24 May 2010 on economic growth in Glasgow. [10812]
David Mundell:
The OBR forecasts for the economy published at the time of the Budget reflect the savings to departmental budgets announced on 24 May 2010 but these are not available on a regional basis. Scotland's share of this spending reduction is £332 million-around 1% of the Scottish Government's departmental expenditure
limit. Our necessary plan to cut the record budget deficit that this Government inherited, goes hand in hand with our determination to return sustained growth to the Scottish economy.
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the Leader of Glasgow city council to discuss the prospects for economic growth in Glasgow. [10813]
David Mundell: I have had productive discussions with the Leader of Glasgow city council on a wide range of issues including the prospects of the Scottish economy. I also visited the Clyde Gateway project which offers significant potential for economic growth in Glasgow. Our plan to cut the record budget deficit that this Government inherited, goes hand in hand with a sustained economic recovery.
Elections
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions on what dates he has had with (a) the Scottish Government, (b) the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, (c) the Electoral Commission in Scotland and (d) electoral registration officers in Scotland on proposals to enable the Scottish Parliament to change the date of elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2015. [8580]
Michael Moore: Following the Deputy Prime Minister's statement on 5 July 2010, I wrote to the First Minister, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, other party leaders, and the Scottish Parliament's independent MSP, confirming this Government's commitment to fixed term parliaments so that no longer will the incumbent administration be able to decide the date of the general election. I acknowledged that concern exists for combining elections for the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament on the same date and confirmed that the Government would engage with them to discuss this matter further.
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has plans for a public consultation on the methodology for determining the date upon which the elections for the Scottish Parliament will be held in 2015. [8581]
Michael Moore: There are legitimate concerns about the impact of combining the elections on the same day, and I have said that I am keen to engage with other interested parties to find a solution that addresses those concerns.
Food Standards Agency
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the change in functions formerly carried out by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland. [11886]
Michael Moore: The Secretary of State for Health has decided to transfer nutrition policy for England from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to the Department of Health. The FSA retains current responsibility for nutrition policy in Scotland.
Personnel: Public Sector
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on projected trends in employment in the public sector in Scotland attributable to public expenditure reductions in the next five years; [11946]
(2) what estimate he has made of the gross reduction in the number of jobs in the public sector in Scotland in the next five years. [11947]
Michael Moore: I have had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a wide range of topics. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility published their employment forecasts for the whole of the UK on 30 June 2010. Based on policies in the June 2010 Budget, in three years' time public sector employment will be 150,000 higher compared to the forecast based on policies in the March 2010 Budget. Total employment is forecast to rise each year over the next five years.
Trade Unions
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department and its predecessor has paid to trade unions in each year since 1997; and what estimate he has made of the value of facilities provided by his Department and its predecessor for use by trade unions in each year since 1997. [11712]
Michael Moore: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. Since that date, the Scotland Office has made no payments to trade unions. The Scotland Office does not maintain a record of facilities provided.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many paid manpower hours civil servants in his Department and its predecessor spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 1997; [11713]
(2) how many civil servants in his Department and its predecessor spent the equivalent of (a) five days or fewer, (b) five to 10 days, (c) 10 to 15 days, (d) 15 to 20 days, (e) 20 to 25 days and (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997. [11714]
Michael Moore: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. The office does not have any staff who spend time undertaking trade union duties or activities.
Women and Equalities
Government Equalities Office's :Regulations
Mr Anderson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities which of the Government Equalities Office's regulations are under review; and if she will make a statement. [7139]
Lynne Featherstone: In the Budget the Government announced plans for reducing the regulatory burdens on business, including the introduction of a one-in-one-out system for new regulations and a fundamental review of all regulation inherited from the previous Government scheduled for introduction over the coming year.
The Government have agreed to implement the core simplification provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in October this year and are looking at how the rest of the Act can be implemented in the best way for business.
The Your Freedom website launched by the Deputy Prime Minister on 1 July 2010, will also give members of the public the opportunity to suggest existing regulations for removal, in order to reduce the burden on business.
Church of England: Equal Opportunities
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what recent representations she has received on equality in appointments in the Church of England. [10773]
Lynne Featherstone: I have recently received one representation about equality in appointments in the Church of England.
Departmental Speeches
Angela Smith: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities which (a) (i) civil servants and (ii) special advisers in the Government Equalities Office and (b) other individuals are employed to write speeches for each Minister in that office. [7306]
Lynne Featherstone: One civil servant is employed to write speeches for the Government Equalities Office. Civil servants from across the Department are also involved as part of their duties in drafting ministerial speeches. Special advisers will also input on occasion.
Women's National Commission
Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities whether she plans to end the Women's National Commission. [11807]
Lynne Featherstone: The coalition Government have made clear their commitment to increase the accountability of all public bodies and reduce their number and costs. The Women's National Commission is included in this exercise along with most non-departmental public bodies.
My Department, the Government Equalities Office, has written to the chair of the Commission, Baroness Gould of Potternewton, inviting the WNC to respond to the three tests which all NDPBs are being assessed against. We are now considering the reply. I have also met with Baroness Gould to discuss the review and listen to her views.
The review will conclude in the autumn and the result will be made public.
International Development
Afghanistan: Overseas Aid
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of his proposed increase in funding for development in Afghanistan will be allocated to (a) security, (b) economic development and (c) service delivery. [11931]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: In order to deliver the results set out in my written ministerial statement of 21 July 2010, Official Report, column 18WS, the additional funding for Afghanistan (2010-11 to 2013-14) has been provisionally allocated as follows: (a) £67 million for improving security and political stability; (b) £78 million for economic stability, growth and jobs; and (c) £55 million for helping the Afghan Government deliver vital basic services.
This will support the priorities set out by the Afghan Government at last week's Kabul conference. Progress will be closely monitored against agreed benchmarks to ensure results are achieved.
Armajaro Holdings Limited
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has (a) had any meetings with and (b) received any representations from the directors or other representatives of (i) Armajaro Holdings Ltd and (ii) Brompton Capital Ltd since taking office. [11734]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I received a letter from Armajaro Holdings Ltd dated 1 July, which has been passed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for reply. I have not held any meetings with Armajaro Holdings Ltd or Brompton Capital Ltd or received other representations from them since taking office as Secretary of State for International Development.
Bilateral Aid: HIV Infection
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on bilateral aid targeting (a) HIV and AIDS and (b) reproductive health in each year since 2005-06. [10960]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent the following in bilateral aid targeting HIV and AIDS and reproductive health in each year since 2005-06.
| £ millions | |||||
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|
DFID bilateral expenditure directly targeting reproductive health | |||||
As laid out in the coalition programme, the Government are committed to restricting the spread of major diseases like HIV and AIDS. Details of future support to HIV and AIDS related programmes will be determined in light of the ongoing aid reviews.
Common Agricultural Policy
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010, Official Report, column 776W, on the Common Agricultural Policy, what priorities he has set for future discussions on the long-term stability of food production; what representations he plans to make at EU level on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement. [10977]
Mr Paice: I have been asked to reply.
My priority is to achieve a market-driven and consumer focused agricultural sector, which is crucial for both European and global food security. We will need to increase food production sustainably through improving productivity and competitiveness in the UK, EU and beyond.
My ministerial colleagues and I will continue to meet with the European Commission and other EU member states to discuss the common agricultural policy.
Conflict Prevention
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when he expects the Government's cross-Whitehall conflict strategy to be published. [9975]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to reply.
Once work on a National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence and Security Review has been concluded, my hon. Friend, the Member for North West Norfolk (Henry Bellingham), Minister responsible for Conflict Issues, will consider how to take forward work to underpin a cross-departmental approach to tackling conflict.
Departmental Manpower
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to his answer of 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 501W, on departmental manpower, how many of his Department's 96 governance advisers have a degree in (a) political science or politics and (b) public policy. [10497]
Mr O'Brien: At least 31 of the Department's governance advisers have a degree in political science or politics, including single or joint honours.
At least nine of the Department's governance advisers have a degree in public policy.
Departmental Private Education
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department spent on continuity of education allowance at (a) Charterhouse School, (b) Dulwich College, (c) Eton College, (d) Harrow School, (e) Marlborough College, (f) Rugby School, (g) Westminster School, (h) Winchester College, (i) Cheltenham Ladies College, (j) Roedean School, (k) St Paul's School, (l) Fettes College and (m) Gordonstoun School in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [11454]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: In the 2009-10 financial year, 48 members of DFID's staff on overseas postings received an education allowance. The monies spent on education allowances at each of the schools and colleges listed, are detailed in the following table.
| School | Monies spent on education allowance (£) |
Payments are not made directly to the school, but are reimbursed to the employee on receipt of an invoice.
Two of the 48 employees above, returned to the UK during the 2009-10 financial year and were eligible to receive education continuity payments. Neither have children who attended any of the schools listed.
Departmental Regulation
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of his Department's regulations are under review; and if he will make a statement. [7149]
Mr O'Brien: In the Budget the Government announced plans for reducing the regulatory burdens on business, including the introduction of a one-in-one-out system for new regulations and a fundamental review of all regulation inherited from the previous Government scheduled for introduction over the coming year. These regulations will not be implemented until they have been reviewed and re-agreed by the Reducing Regulation Cabinet Committee.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is not responsible for any regulations that affect businesses.
Developing Countries: Education
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial assistance his Department has provided to each country in southwest Asia to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of increasing the number of children attending primary school in each of the last three years. [5826]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has provided the following amounts in support of millennium development goal (MDG) 2 in Pakistan since 2007-08.
| £ | |
DFID's principal contribution to meeting MDG 2 in Afghanistan is made through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The ARTF is managed by the World Bank and reimburses proven expenditures on Government operating costs. Between 2007-08 and 2009-10, the education sector was assessed as accounting for 52% of ARTF expenditure. The Ministry of Education's
published data do not distinguish between spending on primary and secondary education, but in 2008-09, primary students (Grades 1-6) comprised 76% of the primary and secondary education total (Source: Afghanistan Ministry of Education, "Education Summary Report 2008/09"). On that basis, the UK's ARTF contribution to primary education can be notionally assessed as set out in the following table.
| £ million | |
Developing Countries: Females
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to remove barriers to education for girls in countries affected by conflict, with particular reference to girl mothers pregnant as a result of abduction or rape. [11926]
Mr O'Brien: As laid out in "The Coalition: our programme for government", the Department for International Development (DFID) will prioritise increasing access to basic services, such as health and education, for the world's poorest people, including a particular focus on the rights of women and girls.
The Secretary of State has recently initiated a review of DFID's aid programmes, including support for health and education, to ensure we achieve value for money and accelerate progress towards the millennium development goals. This includes a review of our emergency response programme, which will look at the provision of support across sectors in the immediate aftermath of conflict or natural disaster.
With over half of primary aged children not enrolled in school living in fragile states-a total of 42 million children out of an estimated 72 million worldwide-we recognise the need to promote education in fragile and conflict-affected states and to address the specific needs of women affected by violence.
Developing Countries: Health Services
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department takes to ensure fair access to health systems through its aid programme frameworks in developing countries. [10961]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) gives high priority to ensuring that the benefits of health services are distributed equitably when it invests in health systems in developing countries. In addition to increasing the quality and supply of services, DFID works closely with Governments and other partners to make sure that these services reach the poor and vulnerable. This requires giving special attention to removing the barriers that prevent those most in need from accessing the care they require.
The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of DFID's aid programmes to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and
accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. This will include DFID support to the health sector.
Developing Countries: HIV Infection
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2010, Official Report, column 418W, on developing countries: HIV infection, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the HIV awareness programmes for young people; and if he will make a statement. [10996]
Mr O'Brien: HIV awareness programmes are having a positive effect. A recent study by UNAIDS found that young people are adopting safer sexual behaviours. HIV prevalence among young people has declined by more than 25% in 15 of the 21 countries most affected by AIDS. These declines are largely due to a fall in new HIV infections among young people.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is contributing to the decline in infection rates. For example, in South Africa, prevention programmes funded by a number of partners, including DFID, have helped contribute towards a 60% decline in new infections among 15 to 24-year-olds.
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2010, Official Report, column 418W, on developing countries: HIV infection, (1) when he expects the report of his Department's review to be published; [11038]
(2) what progress has been made on the review of his Department's aid programme; and what guidance his Department uses in ensuring the effectiveness of projects funded under that programme. [11039]
Mr O'Brien: Programmes funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) are reviewed annually against agreed performance indicators and targets to ensure progress and assess impact and effectiveness.
DFID aims to publish conclusions from both the Bilateral Aid Review and the Multilateral Aid Review in the first part of 2011.
Developing Countries: Human Trafficking
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he plans to take towards eradicating the use of child labour in developing countries; and if he will make a statement. [10617]
Mr O'Brien: Child labour is unacceptable and the Government are committed to tackling it. Investment in primary and lower secondary education reduces child labour rates. That is why the Department for International Development (DFID) is working towards the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) two and three on education and gender equality, and to securing strong outcomes at the MDGs summit in September.
The UK Government also strongly support the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which challenges poor labour
standards around the world, including child labour, and drives practical measures to improve them. DFID will continue to encourage British businesses to sign up to the initiative and to follow the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which set out good corporate behaviour.
Developing Countries: Maternity Services
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what disaggregated data his Department collects on the outcomes of maternal health programmes funded by his Department for (a) all populations and (b) indigenous and other cultural minority populations in each developing country so supported; and if he will make a statement. [10962]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) uses an annual review process to measure results towards achieving programme objectives in each of its maternal and newborn health programmes. Where reaching a marginalised population is an integral part of the programme, the monitoring process will track this.
EC Aid
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries are the top 10 recipients of EU development aid; how much aid was given to each in the last year for which figures are available; and what the average annual income was in each country in that year. [10660]
Mr O'Brien: The top 10 recipients of EU aid in 2009, annual commitments per country and the average annual income for each country are provided in the following table. Figures for actual disbursement of EU aid fluctuate each year. This expenditure is managed by the European Commission.
| Top 10 recipients of EU aid | Commitments (€ million) | Per capital GDP (€) |
| Sources: Annual Report 2010 on the European Community's Development and External Assistance Policies and their Implementation in 2009, June 2010 and UN Indicators on Income and Economic Activity, June 2010 | ||
EU Law
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will estimate the cost to his Department of compliance with regulations arising from EU obligations in the last 12 months. [6882]
Mr O'Brien: The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
International Assistance
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Deputy Prime Minister's objectives are in attending the forthcoming UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals; and if he will make a statement. [11081]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Government aim to reach international agreement on an action agenda to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, as well as securing additional commitments, from both developed and developing countries, on the most off-track MDGs such as maternal and child health and malaria, and an accountability mechanism to monitor progress.
Mozambique: Overseas Aid
Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has for future budgetary support to the Government of Mozambique. [10814]
Mr O'Brien: The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of the Department for international Development's (DFID's) bilateral aid programme to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. Future budgetary support to the Government of Mozambique will be determined as part of this review.
Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of direct budget support given to Mozambique by his Department. [10815]
Mr O'Brien: Department for International Development (DFID) budget support has enabled the Government of Mozambique to increase expenditure on agriculture, education, water and sanitation, social protection and health. In 2008 this support allowed more than 105,000 children to go to primary school, including 13,200 new entrants; ensured 13,430 infants were immunised against measles; paid for 11,882 births attended by a skilled health worker; provided 239,796 people with safe water; and helped connect 13,519 people to the national grid.
The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of DFID's bilateral aid programme to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. DFID's bilateral programme in Mozambique will be reviewed under this process.
Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the proportion of the budgeted expenditure of the Government of Mozambique attributable to contributions from his Department in the last year for which figures are available. [10816]
Mr O'Brien:
Using an average over the last three years (2007 to 2009), the Department for International Development estimates that 2.2% of the Government of
Mozambique's annual budget is General Budget Support from DFID. Our total contribution to the Government of Mozambique's annual budget, including funding provided directly to sectors such as health and education, is approximately 3.7%.
Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will assess the effect of his Department's direct budget support to the Government of Mozambique on the level of that Government's expenditure on (a) arms and (b) defence. [10880]
Mr O'Brien: The average allocation to spending on defence and arms in Mozambique over the last three years was 3.1% of the budget. Of this, the Department for International Development (DFID) estimates arms expenditure to be less than 10% or 0.31% of the budget. Significant expenditures under the Government of Mozambique's defence budget include strengthening Mozambique's extensive borders, and contributing to de-mining as the country aims to be free of land mines by 2014.
Donors monitor closely the overall proportion of funding allocated to poverty reduction and raise any concerns about the balance of allocations in dialogue with the Government on budget support. The proportion of Government spending going to pro-poor sectors is above the target agreed with the previous UK Government.
The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of DFID's bilateral aid programme to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. DFID's bilateral programme in Mozambique will be review under this process.
NGOs: Finance
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of his Department's budget will be spent on funding UK non-governmental organisations in 2010-11; and how he expects such spending to change (a) in cash terms and (b) as a proportion of his Department's budget in each of the next three years. [10492]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are unable to provide details of the Department for International Development's (DFID's) spend through UK non-government organisations in 2010-11 at this stage. DFID reports these figures on an annual basis in Statistics in International Development in accordance with the National Statistics Code of Practice.
Decisions about the amount of funding for UK non-governmental organisations in future years will be taken in the context of the on-going Government-wide spending review.
Hugh Bayley:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what decisions he has taken on Partnership Programme Agreement (PPA) funding for UK non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from April 2011 in relation to the (a) timetable for NGOs to bid for funding and for his Department to assess the bids and announce their decisions, (b) number of NGOs to be funded, (c)
budget for PPA funding in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) each of the following two years and (d) process for consulting NGOs on these matters before they are invited to bid for funding; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy and priorities for PPA funding. [10493]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to providing support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who share our aims and objectives and can measure the impact of their work to show greater effectiveness, results and value for money.
No decisions have yet been taken on the future of the Partnership Programme Arrangement's (PPA's) but I hope to announce details in the near future.
Overseas Aid: HIV Infection
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on each type of aid in relation to activities connected with HIV and AIDS in each year since 2005-06. [10959]
Mr O'Brien: Department for International Development (DFID) bilateral and multilateral expenditure on HIV and AIDS activities in each year since 2005-06 are provided as follows.
| £ millions | |||||
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|
DFID expenditure on HIV and AIDS through core contributions to multilateral organisations | |||||
As laid out in the coalition programme, the Government are committed to restricting the spread of major diseases like HIV and AIDS. Details of future support to HIV and AIDS related programmes will be determined in light of the ongoing aid reviews.
St Helena: Airports
Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what recent representations he has received on the construction of an airport in St Helena; [11737]
(2) whether he has received recent representations on the construction of an airport in St Helena; [11736]
(3) what recent representations he has received on the construction of an airport in St Helena. [11738]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I have received a small number of letters and parliamentary questions about the building of an airport in St Helena.
Turks and Caicos Islands: Overseas Loans
Mr Douglas Alexander:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 1 July 2010, Official Report, columns 49-50WS, on the Turks and Caicos Islands, what the total cost to the public purse will be of his
temporary package of financial support for the Turks and Caicos Islands. [11857]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: We intend the temporary package of financial support to the Turks and Caicos Islands to be at or near zero cost to Her Majesty's Government over the medium term.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 1 July 2010, Official Report, columns 49-50WS, on the Turks and Caicos Islands, what conditions have been set for his proposed loan to the Turks and Caicos Islands. [11858]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK Government have agreed that in response to a short-term loan of up to £10 million to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG):
1. TCIG will set and deliver an ambitious and sustainable plan with the objective of balancing the TCIG budget at the earliest possible opportunity, and in any case, within three years; and that TCIG will strengthen its capacity to manage its public finances.
2. The UK Government accepts no legal liability for borrowing for the planned airport runway extension in TCI.
3. TCIG will provide detailed and frequent financial information to the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
UN
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what priorities he has set for the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly in September 2010, with particular reference to Millennium Development Goal (a) 4, on child health, (b) 5 on maternal health, and (c) 6 on combating HIV/AIDS. [10863]
Mr O'Brien: The UK Government remain determined to use events such as the UN General Assembly meeting in September to urge all countries to sign up to ambitious outcome targets to drive progress towards the attainment of the millennium development goals (MDGs).
Maternal health is a major priority for the coalition Government and is personally championed by the Prime Minister. At the September meeting, we will be supporting the UN Secretary-General's Joint Action Plan to improve the health of women and children. The plan aims to accelerate progress on all three of the health MDGs (4, 5 and 6), as well as MDG 3, to promote gender equality and empower women, and MDG 1, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, through efforts to reduce malnutrition.
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he plans to take to inform Parliament of the outcomes of the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly in September 2010. [10864]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I will place a copy of the outcome document from the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly in the House Library and I will update Parliament of the outcomes secured for achieving the millennium development goals by 2015.
Culture, Media and Sport
Cultural Heritage
Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport which decisions taken by local authorities under legislation relating to national heritage require his consent before taking effect. [10777]
John Penrose: The following decisions taken by local authorities in relation to national heritage have been identified as requiring the consent, approval, confirmation or prior consultation of the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. The following table is the result of a thorough legislative trawl, but in the interests of the reasonable use of resources and a timely response, it may not be exhaustive and does not refer to decisions relating to national heritage for which the consent of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is required.
Departmental Cars
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on car hire in each year since 1997. [11420]
John Penrose: The amount spent on hire vehicles in each of the last five years is set out in the following table:
| Financial year | Total (£) |
Unfortunately we are unable to provide data for the years prior to 2005 as this information is not held on our financial system.
Departmental Contracts
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has made an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies which will be cancelled under his Department's planned spending reductions. [10173]
Mr Jeremy Hunt: To date, no contracts have been cancelled that relate to the current year. The cancellation of contracts in later years will depend on the outcome of the spending review.
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